I am a frequent cruise traveler and know what to expect. The ships are run in a similar way, regardless of the cruise line or destination. On my last cruise, to celebrate my mother’s 70th Birthday, I met many first-time cruisers.
Five more first-time cruise tips
1. You don’t have to do everything at once!
The staff on your cruise will provide a variety of activities. These include everything from trivia contests to dance lessons, to shopping tips. Select the activities you are interested in. You will meet people who share your interests. You can go your separate ways every now and again. You can agree on a time and place to meet for shared meals and/or activities.
2. Your cruise price includes room service.
I know …. It’s not like a typical hotel at all! Cool, eh? We both enjoyed getting coffee delivered to our cabin while we were preparing for the day. We also had snacks delivered late afternoon to our cabin as we prepared for evening activities. This was because we had a late dinner (8:30 pm). Room service may incur a charge during overnight hours. If you have questions, call room service on your cabin phone.
3. Bring a Lightweight Bag with Essentials for Embarkation and Disembarkation Days.
Upon arrival, luggage is not accessible for the first few hours. You must also pack your luggage the night before you disembark. For the first day, carry a small bag with your sunscreen, swimsuit and medication. Also, keep important documents, essential papers, valuables, and any other items you need. Use it to pack your medications, pajamas and fragile souvenirs when you return home.
Check out our packing tips for more information on what to bring with you on a cruise.
4. Enjoy Spa Specials
Relaxation is the main focus of a cruise, right? Spas offer special deals on the day of embarkation because travelers are busy unpacking and acclimatizing themselves to the ship. The spa on our cruise offered an “travelers’ stress” special of $80 for a full massage and mini-facial. It was a wonderful way to begin the vacation! It’s ok to ask about specials. You can leave if they don’t offer a special.
5. You do not have to eat in the dining room.
The majority of ships have a restaurant with a long buffet service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s convenient, but also crowded. You can eat your meal at the tables near the pool, or you can take it back to your hotel room …. You can do whatever you like! You can enjoy your meal without crowds — and you CAN return for more. You can go get a drink, or snack during the open hours. It’s your cruise. You can customize your cruise to suit your needs.
Here’s a Bonus Tip!! !
Find out the location of your cabin above and below it when booking your cruise. A cheap cabin located above the engine room is likely to be noisier than an expensive cabin further down the hall. Cabins located below late-night entertainment venues will be noisier than cabins sandwiched between cabins or beneath the dining area. Consider whether being near the elevator (which means less walking) is worth it if you want to hear more late at night. You alone can decide.